BEING TEWARIJI

Rohitashv Gaur, popularly as Tewariji in Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai, talks to Gurbani Singh about his theatre days at NSD, TV shows and films

• What made you leave your hometown and come to Delhi?

I moved from Shimla to study theatre from National School of Drama in 1986. My plan was to professionally adopt theatre because it involves strong and professional acting. I did many stage plays and thoroughly enjoyed those days.

• Why did you venture into TV?

Since Hindi theatre doesn’t pay well, I was forced to do TV and films in order to make a living. I made my TV debut as Mukundi Lal in Lapataganj for which I got ITA Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role (2010).

• The experience to play Tewariji.

It has been an amazing experience so far. It feels good to be known as Tewariji. I think that I have put life into the character. It’s actually funny how people stop me for autographs and photos by calling me Tewariji and not by my real name. This is the biggest honour for me. The show has been on air for three years. I won two awards —  Best Actor in a Comic Role in 2015 and 2017 by ITA Award.

• What’s the difference in working for TV and theatre?

Theatre is different from TV. I strongly believe that being natural is the best way to give a good performance.

• Coming from NSD, did that give you an upper hand?

Yes, I do have an upper hand in some ways as I received proper training before I started working. I also got noticed by directors and got to meet several of them including Kundan Shah, who made classic comedy film Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro and TV series Nukkad.

• What has been your milestone?

In terms of popularity, Lapataganj was the milestone. Playing the character of Mukundi Lal got me recognition in the eyes of people like Raj Kumar Hirani. I enjoyed playing that role a lot because it was actually a comedy-satire on the system.

• What has been your favourite project?

Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai will always be my favourite for several reasons. First, the character I play is different from my real personality. Second, the writing is interesting. Third, the cast and direction has been fantastic.

• What does your two daughters say after watching you on screen as Tewariji?

My daughters really enjoy watching me on screen. They find the show ‘mazedaar’. They ask lots of questions since one of them is studying theatre in school.

• What inspired you to do  Matrubhoomi— A Nation Without Women?

Matrubhoomi was for a cause. It spoke about female foeticide and infanticide and gender imbalance in society. It received a standing ovation abroad. But our audience didn’t appreciate it all that much. That is because of the acceptance they have towards content.